Cleaning out the rig!

Norm - W7CK

I've had my 6700 for about 2 years now and just love this radio.  When I first got the new SDR, I went over to a local hardware store and purchased a thin sheet of filter foam that was designed for an indoor air filter system.  I cut a couple small rectangles for the sides of the 6700, one for my KPA500 and a couple more for other radios.   Every once in a while I wash out the foam, dry it out, and put it back in place.  So far, I believe it has been working quite well.  The foam is very porous and doesn't present much of an air restriction.  It seems to catch a lot of dust, but since its so porous, I'm sure a lot of the smaller stuff is getting right though.

I've never had my 6700 opened up and I'd really like to see if it is staying fairly clean inside.  Maybe use some caned air to **** it out if need be.  While mine is getting a bit older, others might be asking.  Can we open up our radios and **** out the dust without voiding the warranty?  Are there any recommendations on how to keep the dust out or how to clean out any dust that has gotten in?

Dave Dave

They sell a user installable Tuner ....... and they have instructions.

One would assume.....

Martin AA6E

Part of the fun of having the Flex is to take the covers off and admire the beautiful stuff inside!  There is a small shielded area (the computing parts) that has a sticker warning you not to open.  The warranty expires after 2 years, so you can even open that magic shield if you like. (But maybe you shouldn't!)

Tim - W4TME

I do not have any specific recommendations for keeping dust out other than restricting air flow will shorten the lifespan of the radio so be very careful not to do it, but I do have one "must follow" recommendation for cleaning the inside using compressed air.

There are two small cooling fan attached heatsinks inside of the RF shield.  These can collect dust and if you need to clean them, make sure you take a small non-metallic rod (I use a toothpick) and insert it between the blades of the fan to prevent it from turning when you **** out the dust with compressed air.  Do the same for the chassis fans too.  This prevents bearing damage that can occur if the compressed air stream over spins the fans.

EA4GLI

I didn't realized you could damage the fans that way. Good to know! Thanks Tim. As always on top of everything on this forum even on weekends!

elan

if you have so much dust try to use DataVac Electric Air Duster is it the best clean your pc as well 

N0ARX

I have had my 6300 14 months now and I have noticed a significant amount of dust inside the case. However, I have never paid much attention of how big of an ordeal removing the top is. Anyone have a comment on that? 73 N0ARX Danny

DrTeeth

Danny, download the instructions for fitting the ATU. Detailed instructions and photos IIRC.

Jay Nation

I think our warranties will survive if we open the case. Flexradio has published warranty terms, and instructions, with pictures, explaining how we can do it.

Carefully blowing out the dust shouldn't be a problem.

Rinsing it out with a fire hose, or running it thru a dishwasher cycle,  
should probably be avoided, and likely will void our warranties should the
repair techs notice any water dripping out. 

**** parts off the circuit boards with a ShopVac would probably be seen as an unapproved user modification, so also not a good idea.

Never hurts to either call or email them first ...

They might actually expect to find some dust inside the ones that go back for warranty repair anyway. 

73, Jay - NO5J

Ken - NM9P

But the fans make such a neat siren sound when you **** on them! But seriously. Great idea using a toothpick to hold the fan blades. I remember being given that advice 18 months ago when I was having some fan chirping. I hadn't thought about it until now. BTW.. Be sure to use the proper torx bit on the screws. The proper one is a solid fit and has a good grip.

Ken - NM9P

Danny, I found the case on my 6500 to be very nicely engineered and easy to open and close. Just take your time with the torx wrench. Do not try to fudge it with a compromise bit. Buy the proper bit or a dedicated wrench if you must. It is worth it to have the proper tools.

Burt Fisher

I used to fix computers. I loved it when  people "cleaned" them out, they invariably dislodged a board, memory or the airborne dust created a static charge thus needing a repair.

MIchael Ryan

Ken, Do you (or anyone else for that matter) not what size TORX bit fit the covers on the 6700?  The set I have has small ones but none small enough. Plus they are a 'little' rusty and hard to read.  Got any idea?  

Tom N5MOA

T9 on my 6500, should be the same.

Tom N5MOA

T9 on my 6500, should be the same.

MIchael Ryan

I read somewhere just a while ago that they are T8...I guess i will have to buy a small set with both sizes. I'll post what I find out.  

VK7WH Winston

I’m pretty sure they are T8. Winston

Craig Williams

T8 on my 6400. Just blew the dust out on it's first anniversary. Most dust was on the HUGE fan. Thinking about foam air filters but looks like I don't need them.

Bill -VA3WTB

They use T-8

Tim - W4TME

Using any type of fan filter will reduce airflow intake. It is not recommended to impede the airflow with filters.  A once a year cleaning could be sufficient. 

I recommend reading this HelpDesk article for the proper fan cleaning procedure: How to properly clean the FLEX-6000 Cooling fans

David N4IW

Is there an article specific to the 6400 that explains the details of the annual cleaning? The ones for the older radios are quite detailed and good!

Mike-VA3MW

We really don't have a manual or video on it.

However, if you carefully open the case with a #8 Torx driver and vacuum up the dust. You can **** out the dust with a can of air (not an air compressor). Do NOT overspeed the fans when blowing air on them. That will destroy the fans. Don't let them spin up.

You can follow any instructions you find for cleaning out a computer. Same steps.

David N4IW

Ok. Thanks Mike.